Grooming gang whistleblower Maggie Oliver coming to Blackpool

The woman who “blew the whistle” on the groomin gangs scandal in Rochdale is coming to Blackpool give an account of her experiences.

Maggie Oliver is a former Greater Manchester Police detective constable and prominent whistle-blower who resigned in 2012 to expose the failures in investigating the abuse of vulnerable young girls by predominantly Asian gangs.

She is a dedicated campaigner for survivors of child sexual exploitation and founded The Maggie Oliver Foundation to support them.

The Grand Hotel, on North Shore promenade, will play host to an event called Maggie Oliver -Fighting for Justice Survivors, on Thursday April 30 2026 at 7pm.

Organisers: “Maggie will share the inside story of her brave battle to expose the Rochdale child abuse scandal, along with messages of hope, honesty, strength and compassion that continue to inspire audiences nationwide.

“She will deliver a night that moves, motivates, and stays with you. This is more than a talk — it is an evening of real insight, powerful stories and unwavering commitment to truth, courage and justice.”

The scandal, and a number of similar cases across the UK, eventually led to the Government setting up the Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs in England and Wales, set to formally begin its work this month.

Following recommendations from Baroness Casey’s June 2025 National Audit, the statutory inquiry is aimed at investigating systemic failures in tackling group-based child sexual exploitation .

The inquiry is chaired by Baroness Anne Longfield (former Children’s Commissioner), sitting with panellists Zoë Billingham CBE and Eleanor Kelly CBE.

It was initiated by Prime Minister Keir Starmer on June 14, 2025, following intense pressure and a national audit that found authorities had "shied away" from the ethnicity of perpetrators.

The debate also led to heated discussions at Labour-led Blackpool Council last year, including a controversial report into child sexual exploitation in the resort, compiled by Cllr Paul Galley, leader of the Conservative opposition. The tragic case of 14 year old schoolgirl Charlene Downes, who disappeared on November 1 2003, was included.

In June 2025, after a number of intense debates among councillors, Blackpool Council committed to asking the Home Secretary to include the town in a national inquiry into child sexual exploitation.

Maggie Oliver’s presentation has been organised by Reform UK Blackpool & Fleetwood Branch.

For details about the £20 tickets, visit the Reform UK Blackpool & Fleetwood Branch channels for direct booking.